We note with concern the growing impact and reach of the Trump administration’s sanctions on Venezuela, and call on governments internationally (including the UK) not to follow this path.

US financial sanctions are opposed by a majority of both pro- and anti-government Venezuelans. They will not help Venezuela’s people or solve the country’s economic problems. By seeking to starve the country of foreign exchange they will hit the private sector and ordinary Venezuelans, including the poorest. They will restrict resources to pay for imports including of food and medicine.

Furthermore, we are concerned that these sanctions will exacerbate divisions and difficulties, rather than facilitate much-needed dialogue.